Today, we suffer from delusions of Autobahn grandeur, where every automaker feels compelled to endow their car with chiropractor-inducing suspension tuning. Engineered for top speed on the Autobahn, not the reality of America’s clogged arteries, they rarely offer comfortable seats or the comfort we require.

Of course, there was a time when all American vehicles were full-size. Built with body-on-frame construction and a massive V-8 under the hood, they were incredibly comfortable, with a long wheelbase, spacious cabin, lots of convenience features and a soft ride that made dealing with traffic a secondary concern to the all-enveloping coddling and convenience they delivered.

These days, such specs are relegated to full-size pickups and SUVs like the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, America’s oldest vehicle, and its first SUV. For its 90th model year, the Suburban’s basic mission remains unchanged. Its a body-on-frame truck that provides acres of space for up to nine people and their stuff, along with a hefty dose of towing capacity, power and comfort that few vehicles can match.

Offered in ascending LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country trim, buyers get a choice of three powerplants. A 5.3-liter overhead-valve V-8 good for 355 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque is standard on all models except the High Country, which gets a 6.2-liter overhead-valve V-8 rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. You can also opt for a new 3.0-liter dual-overhead cam inline six-cylinder Duramax diesel engine rated at 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. All engines mate to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving system, is optional.

All models get a redesigned proboscis that resembles other Chevys. It’s a design that’s markedly more unified and sophisticated than last year’s model. And should you choose, you can now shoe your Suburban with 24-inch wheels. Out back, there’s revised lighting. More noticeable, and welcome, is the new instrument panel that’s far more modern than before. Credit the all-new, standard 17.7-inch-infotainment screen and 11-inch instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot and a wireless smartphone charging pad come standard. There’s also a redesigned center console with a more convenient wireless charging pad along with a redesigned steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls for various vehicle functions.

But the instrument panel’s contemporary appearance plays into the more refined interior, which boasts better quality materials, including real wood trim on High Country models – a Suburban first. High Country trims also have perforated leather seating and a black and mocha design motif. Throughout the cabin, there are more soft-touch and wrapped surfaces, not to mention stitching, the latest in upscale design touches.

But the revisions are more than skin deep, as engineers expanded the availability of the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension to the RST trim for the first time, in addition to the High Country and Z71. And there’s also GM’s renowned Magnetic Ride Control, which is standard on the Premier and High Country and optional on the RST and Z71. Sensors continually scan the road 1,000 times a second and adjust the ride accordingly. They add a great deal of refinement to the Suburban’s ride and handling. But rear-wheel steering would truly enhance its agility.

There is a suite of trailering aids, including trailer-based navigation, boast ramp assist, forward path indication, trailer tire health indicator, a high-capacity radiator and cooling fan, and an integrated trailer brake controller among other features. Towing ranges from 8,200 pounds with the rear-wheel-drive 5.3-liter model to 7,400 pounds with the four-wheel-drive 6.2-liter trim.

What’s so surprising about the Suburban is how nimble it proves to be despite its size. OK, you won’t be tempted to participate in the local autocross competition, but it proves to a fast, docile companion. It’s quiet, rides comfortably and has a well-controlled ride. It’s well mannered. The cameras and large screen are helpful, while its generous side mirrors are appreciated.

It’s so satisfyingly competent, a large American SUV that’s so familiar, that its inherent goodness is easy to overlook. But you shouldn’t. It does everything, and does it well. I would go into more detail, but if you love full-size American trucks, no one does it better than this. The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban remains America’s mobile rumpus room, as well as a sizable statement.

2025 Chevrolet Suburban

Base price: $61,195-$83,195

Engine: 6.2-liter V-8

Horsepower/Torque: 420/460 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 16 mpg

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 226/81/76 inches

Ground clearance: 8 inches

Payload: 1,612 pounds

Cargo capacity: 42-145 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 7,900 pounds

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